How Long Do You Feed Chicken Starter?

Raising chickens from day-old chicks is an exciting and rewarding experience. As the little fluffballs grow into chickens it’s important to feed them an appropriate diet to support their growth and development. One of the first feeds used is a chicken starter feed. But how long should you continue feeding this before switching them to another feed? Here’s what you need to know about feeding chicken starter and when to transition to other feeds.

What is Chicken Starter Feed?

Chicken starter feed is a complete food made just for chicks from the time they hatch until they are about 18 to 20 weeks old. It has all the vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates that baby chicks need to grow and do well.

The main differences between starter feed and feed for older chickens are:

• Higher protein content – Starter feeds contain 18-24% protein, more than the 16% protein in layer feeds. The high protein supports the rapid growth of chicks.

• – The pellets are finely ground into a crumbly texture that chicks can easily eat from the first day.

• Medication – Many commercial starter feeds contain an antibiotic (like amprolium) to prevent coccidiosis, a disease that can be deadly to chicks.

So in short, chicken starter has the right nutrition and texture for newly hatched chicks. It gives them the best start in life before transitioning to feeds for older chickens.

When to Stop Feeding Chicken Starter

Chicken starter should be given to chicks until they are 18 to 20 weeks old. When it’s time to switch their feed, these things happen:

• They have most of their feathers and are starting to resemble mature chickens.

• Their growth starts to slow down. Chicks experience a rapid growth phase in the first 12 weeks. After that, the growth rate levels off.

• Pullets may begin laying eggs. This usually starts between 18-24 weeks of age.

• The medicated starter feed runs out. Medicated starter should not be fed to chickens over 16 weeks as the medication can cause health issues.

So the best time to switch chicks is between 18 and 20 weeks old. As their growth slows down, they need less protein, and pullets can start laying eggs if they haven’t already.

What to Feed After Chicken Starter

There are three main options for feeding chickens once they outgrow the starter feed:

1. Pullet Grower Feed

This feed has 16-18% protein, lower than the levels in starter feed but still higher than layer feed. It’s a good intermediate feed to transition chicks into adulthood. Pullet grower can be fed until the chickens are ready to lay eggs, around 18-24 weeks of age.

2. Layer Feed

This feed is formulated specifically for egg-laying chickens, with extra calcium and nutrients for egg production. It’s safe to switch directly to layer feed once the majority of pullets start laying eggs, usually around 18-20 weeks. If you have a mixed flock, continue providing extra calcium on the side.

3. Flock Raiser/All Flock Feed

An all-flock or flock raiser feed contains 16-18% protein, making it suitable for chicks, pullets and laying hens when fed with extra calcium on the side. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple feeds.

Once chicks are weaned off starter feed, introduce the new feed gradually over 1-2 weeks to allow their digestive system to adjust. Make sure they still have access to grit to aid digestion.

Here are a few other feeding tips:

• Provide oyster shell or grit as an additional calcium source for pullets that start laying earlier than 20 weeks.

• Continue feeding non-medicated feed to avoid health issues.

• Free-choice feed allows chickens to eat as much as needed to support growth and egg production.

• If birds seem too thin or stop laying, increase protein levels slightly by mixing in some starter feed.

Feeding Chickens Long-Term

While starter feed is crucial for chicks, at a certain point it becomes unsuitable as the sole feed source. Chickens have different nutritional needs throughout their lives depending on age and egg production.

Trying to meet all these needs with one starter feed will likely result in nutrient deficiencies or toxicities in some birds. That’s why it’s important to transition chickens to age-appropriate feeds.

However, in a pinch starter feed can be fed to chickens of any age. It won’t meet the calcium needs of laying hens, so you’d need to supplement with a calcium source. And feeding medicated starter long-term may cause health issues. But the overall protein and nutrient levels are suitable for healthy chickens if fed with appropriate supplements.

The bottom line is chicken starter has an important place in raising chicks, but it’s not intended as a lifelong feed source. Follow the recommended guidelines, transitioning the birds between 18-20 weeks, in order to support their growth, health and productivity over their lifetime. With an appropriate diet and care, your chickens will thrive for years to come.

Key Takeaways on Feeding Chicken Starter:

• Chicken starter feed provides critical nutrition for chicks from hatch until 18-20 weeks old.

• The high protein and calcium levels support the rapid growth phase. Medication prevents coccidiosis.

• Around 18-20 weeks, chicks should be transitioned to prevent nutritional deficiencies or toxicities.

• Pullet grower, layer feed or all-flock feed are suitable options after starter feed.

• Chicken starter can be fed to adult chickens in a pinch if calcium is supplemented. But it’s not a complete diet long-term.

• Following optimal feeding recommendations supports lifetime chicken health and productivity.